Mechanical programming device



March 8, 1966 a. M. EATON 3,233,652

MECHANICAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE Filed Dec. 31, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR BRUCE M. EATON Ms, M,

ATTO NEYS March 8, 1966 B. M. EATON MECHANICAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 51, 1963 862 3.55:5 m Ewen E 53E: .8: E55 :3 mEEm um wm ii n 2% or :2 29?; v.0 229. 5:5 Kim 3 0 Vk a United States Patent 3,238,652 MECHANICAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE Bruce M. Eaton, Box 63, 550 Ave. G, Boulder City, Nev. Filed Dec. 31, 1963, Ser. No. 334,951 1 Claim. (CI. 40-68) (Granted under Title 35, US. Code (1952), sec. 266) The invention herein described and claimed may be used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of royalties thereon or therefor.

The invention relates to an indicator mechanism on which a display of complex data can be conveniently varied as required by changes desired in a programmed procedure involving such data. It has particular utility in furnishing a useful record of work assignment information needed for managing an installation whereat a continuous and substantially uniform plan of operations is ordinarily maintained. Use of this mechanism allows predetermined modifications in such records to be made by simple selective adjustments of manipulative parts comprising the mechanism. Attached to several of these parts are record strips on which numerical and coded indicia representing work assignments are arranged to follow sequences establishing schedules of such assignments. Correlated to the indicia on these strips is further indicia arranged on sheets attached to a housing structure supporting the manipulatable parts, and representing information identifying personnel for whom the scheduled assignments are intended. This unique construction makes available an inexpensive versatile device for accomplishing a relatively complicated time-keeping procedure.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an indicator mechanism which is operable for specially modifying the import of the representations set out thereon.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indicator structure in which elements of recorded data are positionally interrelated to obtain the derivation of further data having a functional significance.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention considered together with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the complete indicator mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view, partly in section, of an assembly comprising the manipulatable parts of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows a chart, with indicia arranged thereon, which serves to provide particular structural parts of the mechanism shown in FIG. 1, with informational materials.

With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawing, an improved scheduling indicator according to the invention may be seen represented as a compact unit Whose principal components are a housing 110, and a roller assembly 130, shown operatively positioned in the housing structure. A relatively shallow enclosure formed by two triangular side panels 112 and 113 and a rear panel 114 secured together by conventional machine screws, constitutes a base for housing 110, which furnishes a frame-like support in which the roller assembly is adapted to function. Over the top opening of the enclosure defined by the upper free edges of the three panels, is similarly secured a rectangular face plate 118. A substantially rectangular slot 119 spanning nearly the full length across a medial section of the face plate, is adapted to receive therethrough a solid sector of the cylindrical body of roller assembly 130 when the face plate is made part of housing 110. A circular Patented Mar. 8, 1966 ice opening in side panel 112, and a similar opening in side panel 113, are specially located in respect to slot 119 to facilitate placing roller assembly in slot 119 such that it protrudes out of housing 110, when extended ends of the roller assembly are received in the side panel openings. By means of this arrangement, rectangular chart sections or strips fixed to the outer surface of roller assembly 130, can be exposed above face plate 118 such that they may be viewed together with corresponding chart materials attached to the outside of the face plate, as roller assembly 130 is rotated to selected predetermined positions in respect to housing 110.

Roller assembly 130, shown in FIG. 2 separated from housing 110, is made up of a plurality of equal diameter rollers 132 to 138, inclusive, which are adapted to be held firmly together on a composite spindle structure 150. The rollers vary in length from the collar-like elements 132, 134 and 138 to the sleeve-like elements 133, 135, 136 and 137. As best seen in the sectioned portions of FIG. 2, the different roller elements are all defined by relatively thick cylindrical walls circumscribing bores in the rollers which allow them to be slip fitted upon the spindle structure 150. The spool-like construction which characterizes spindle structure 150, as seen in FIG. 2, is essentially a combination of an elongated tubular member 152, and left and right disk-like plates 153 and 154, operatively associated with the respective opposite ends of the tubular member. Since the peripheral surface of tubular member 152 snugly carries the rollers fitted thereon, its diameter is slightly less than that of the bores in the rollers. End plates 153 and 154 have a diameter slightly greater than that defining the outside rim of the rollers to facilitate their clamping action upon the rollers which will be hereinafter more fully explained.

Closing over one end of tubular member 152 is an integral part thereof constituting a wall 155 in which is located a central opening 156. Over the other end of the tubular member is rigidly fastened plate 153 in whose center is located a somewhat larger opening 157. Axially traversing tubular member 152 is a rod-like spindle whose respective opposite end portions extend into openings 156 and 157. Opening 156 receives therethrough the spindles end portion 161 having a reduced diameter, which projects a short distance beyond wall 155 of the tubular member, and passes into a recess of a hub-like projection 162 formed out of the center section of end plate 154. A relatively long machine screw 165 is provided to pass through a countersunk center hole in plate projection 162, and engage threads in a hole 166 axially disposed within spindle portion 161. It should therefore be evident from the hereinabove description of roller assembly 130, that its rollers 132 to 138 are held together on tubular member 152 by a clamping action between plates 153 and 154, produced by tightening screw 165. Loosening screw 165 consequently releases this clamping action since it removes the pressure plate 154 applied to the rollers when the hub of this plates projection 162 was drawn up over spindle portion 161 by the tightened screw. When rollers 132 to 138 are thus free to turn on tubular member 152, they can be individually and selectively positioned as required by the particular use to which the present invention is adapted.

Roller assembly 130 is set in place within housing 110 as the housing is assembled. The end of axial spindle 160 extending out beyond the fixed clamp plate 153, and projection 162 of pressure plate 154, are held within the circular holes accommodating them in housing side panels 112 and 113, respectively, when rear panel 114 and face plate 118 are fastened to the side panels to complete housing 110. The roller assembly is thereby properly located in housing 110 such that substantial segments of the rollers 132 to 138 project up through slot opening 119 in face plate 118 of the housing. As is evident from the showing in FIG. 1, a substantial segment of each of the disk-like plates 153 and 154, also project out of the face plate, whereby they constitute thumb wheels providing a convenient means for adjusting the position of roller assembly 130 relative to housing 110. For this purpose plates 153 and 154 may have their edges serrated to improve their effectiveness.

In explanation of an exemplary utilization of indicator mechanism previously described, reference is hereafter made to the scheduling requirements of a powerplant installation in connection with which this mechanism can be most advantageously applied. Uninterrupted operation of this powerplant necessitates the continuous attention of its personnel such that three eight hour work shifts are scheduled each day including an 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. day shift, a 4:00 pm. to 12:00 night shift, and a 12:00 to 8:00 a.m. morning shift. Seventeen persons assigned to the work at the powerplant are affected by the three-shift schedule, although ordinarily only four or five of these persons are at work during any one shift interval, and on any one day another four or five of these persons have the day off. The shift assignment of any one person generally remains the same for a ten day period and changes to a different shift after four days off. This scheduling plan is drawn up to cover a period of forty-two days which recurs cyclically during a period of approximately six months. Thereafter, the plan of the scheduling cycle may be changed as needed, and then applied on a recurring cyclic basis for approximately another six months. This form of alternative, semi-annual scheduling may be repeatedly used as the operational and personnel requirements of the powerplantdictates.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is seen an exemplary form of a master sheet M having written thereon the aforementioned scheduling data, as well as additional data pertinent to the scheduling plans of other personnel. Fifty columns of approximately the same size, drawn on sheet M, are numbered 1 to 50 and grouped to form seven sections respectively designated from left to right by letters A to G. All these columns are divided equally by lines defining forty-two rows R across sheet M. Section A including columns 1 and 2, and section B including columns 3 to 7, provide row spaces in columns 1 to 7 in which the days of the months are numbered, whereby each of these columns contain the dates of a forty-two day cycle. Column 8 of section C lists the days of the week corresponding to the dates recorded in sections A and B. The eight columns of sections F and G are similarly drawn to relate monthly dates to the days of the week. This latter data is embodied in a further scheduling plan applicable during another part of the year for which the master sheet was devised.

Data for the columns 9 to 42 in section D and E, is derived from a compilation of the particular assignments received by twenty-seven persons employed in operating and maintaining the powerplant. At the top of sheet M, spaces H are provided to have written therein names identifying the persons for whom work has been scheduled. Daily assignments for the individuals names are indicated by letter symbols in boxes X of the columns aligned with the names. A legend at the bottom of FIG. 3, defines the letter symbols used in these boxes. Employees having their assignments posted in the respective columns between and including those numbered 9 to 27, are scheduled in accordance with the previously mentioned cyclically occurring forty-two day periods. In column 29, the schedule of assignments for the employee named recurs in fourteen day cycles over a period of approximately six months. The employees named in connection with columns 30 to 36, have assignments scheduled which are cyclic to the extent that they remain unchanged from week to week. Although for the purposes of clarity a representative few of the spaces and boxes of FIG. 3 are shown marked with data, it should be evident that the chart is completed only after all the requisite data is entered thereon. Columns 28 and 37 to 42, which in this instance is left devoid of data, are reserved for future use as needed.

Master sheet M, appropriately marked with data as hereinabove indicated, is further processed in preparation for use on the structure shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 by being segmented along the straight lines 60 to 66 inclusive, to form strips 70 to 77 inclusive. The separate strips 71 to 77, which correspond to the respective areas designated sections A to G on the sheet M, are individually fastened to rollers 132 to 138, respectively, by means of a suitable adhesive. Strip 70, comprising the heading information written in spaces H, is thereafter placed on an upper part of face plate 118 such that the bottom edge of the strip is situated closely adjacent and parallel to the roller assembly 130. In placing strip 70, it is important to locate the various column headings set out thereon in proper alignment with the columns on the strips wrapped around the rollers, corresponding thereto. A sheet of clear plastic 166, fastened to the face plate 118 by thumb screws 167, to overlie strip 70, secures this strip in place and keeps it clean. Space on face plate 118 below roller assembly 130, may be used to display additional information concerning the scheduled assignments. For this purpose, use is made of a sheet 170, on which a plurality of parallel lines are drawn to correspond to the columnar spacing of the data carried on strips 74 and 75 affixed to rollers 135 and 136 respectively, of assembly 130. Sheet 170 is therefore positioned on face plate 118 so that its markings are suitably aligned under the strips on rollers 135 and 136, and held in place under a sheet of clear plastic 171 by means of further thumb screws 172.

Operation of the exemplary form of the scheduling indicator shown by the drawing requires only that thumb wheels 153 or 154 be periodically adjusted whereby roller assembly 130 is turned sufficiently in housing to bring into view the date of the working day under consideration. The scheduled assignments for that date are thereby made manifest by the information readable in the row of boxes X aligned with such date. In the event a change in scheduling is desired, it is then only necessary for the user to loosen screw 165 shown in FIG. 2, such that the rollers of assembly are free to turn relative to each other. Appropriate adjustments may be made to roller or roller 136, while all other rollers are held stationary, whereby the mechanism is caused to indicate the reassignment of the various shifts to the persons named in spaces H. On the other hand, rollers 132 to 134, or rollers 137 and 138, pertaining to the dates of the assignments, may be adjusted to obtain the changes in the scheduling. Following any adjustment of the rollers, screw is tightened so as to allow roller assembly 130 to turn as a unit relative to the data sheets secured to face plate 118 of housing 110.

Modifications in the assignments scheduled by the mechanism may also be made by changing the information on view in the heading strip 70. This can be done by providing strips having names written thereon, which are of a suitable size to be inserted under plastic sheet 166 so as to cover over names previously written in spaces H. Special information in respect to any variance in the schedule of an individual may be written in the spaces on sheet 170, aligned with the columnar data for that individual. Incidental data for the spaces on sheet 170, may be written on clear plastic sheet 171 using a grease pencil whereby such data may be easily removed when no longer needed. It is evident therefore that the arrangement comprising the scheduling indicator allows the user thereof much flexibility in initially setting up and thereafter modifying the information presented thereon as required by the vicissitudes of the scheduling.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described herein, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereby, but is susceptible to change in form and detail. For example, metals, Woods, plastics, and other rigid materials maybe used for the structural elements of the housing and roller assembly. Sheet materials used to cover the rollers and housing parts may be paper, cloth or plastic.

What is claimed is:

An indicator mechanism comprising a manipulatable means including a plurality of separable parts, and a further means including a pair of spaced-apart plates having openings wherein said manipulatable means is supported for rotational displacement, and a third plate, fixed to each of said pair of plates and having a further opening receiving conforming portions of said separable parts therein, a plurality of elements having interrelated indicia inscribed thereon, a number of said plurality of indicia elements being affixed to said separable parts and the remaining elements of said plurality being aifixed to said third plate of said further means adjacent said further opening therein whereby displacement of said separable parts correlates the indicia afixed thereto With that aflixed to said third plate of said further means, a bearing means comprising a tubular member on which said separable parts are ar-- rayed and movable relative thereto by a sliding engagement therewith so as to be displaceable relative to each other, and a shaft passing axially through said tubular member, said shaft being maintained for rotation in said opening of one of said pair of spaced apart plates of said further means, a clamping means operatively associated with said bearing means to hold all said separable parts fixed in respect to said tubular member, said clamping means comprising a first flange means secured to said tubular member, and a second flange means releasably attached to said shaft and comprising an axial extension being maintained for rotation in said opening of the second of said pair of plates of said further means whereby said pair of plates maintain said manipulative means for rotation therein on said shaft and said axial extension.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 719,597 2/1903 Lee 40-19 1,391,986 9/1921 Smith --77 2,648,915 8/1953 Dalby 3524.4 2,752,880 7/1956 Jackson -116133 2,876,569 3/1959 Staab et al. --11'4 3,144,990 8/1964 Evangelista 116-133 X EUGENE R. CAPOZIO, Primary Examiner.

LAWRENCE CHARLES, Examiner,

WILLIAM GRIEB, Assistant Examiner. 

